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At the rate they’re going, it stands to figure that winning will get tougher for the Senators.

With a 10-9-2 record, they are losing the ability to surprise other teams.

“Well, since we were picked to be 15th (in the conference) I suppose we have snuck up on a couple of teams, but that’s not going to last forever either,” said coach Paul MacLean on Tuesday - after a road trip in which his team grabbed seven of a possible eight points. “We’re just trying to gain some respect around the league and we believe at this point we’re getting that a little bit at a time.”

One point out of the Top 8 in the Eastern Conference, the Senators are enjoying a bit of a break in their hectic schedule - with four full days off between games - but it’s nothing to get too comfortable about. Currently in a stretch that sees them play nine of 10 on the road, they aren’t even able to practice at Scotiabank Place these days.

With their home rink previously booked, they hit the Bell Sensplex ice Tuesday. On Wednesday they will meet a commitment to practice at the Canadian International Hockey Academy Arena in Rockland.

On Thursday, they fly to Pittsburgh, for Friday's game against Sidney Crosby and the Penguins.

Goalie Craig Anderson, who sat out Sunday’s 2-1 overtime loss in Vancouver with a stiff neck, has recovered and will almost certainly get the call in Pittsburgh.

Defenceman Matt Carkner is practising with the team and says there is no timetable for his return from a knee injury. MacLean figures he’ll be back within the next week or two.

And Chris Neil, who has missed the last five games with a sprained ankle, is scheduled to skate on Wednesday for the first time since suffering the injury.